From Byfield’s performance at the WJHC and Stutzle’s year playing a a legit pro league I think Stutzle might be the better pick. With Byfiled’s size and talent, he really should have made some strides to challenge Lafreniere for top spot, but he didn’t seem to be make his way into the conversation at all.

Maybe Lafreniere is just that good, like McDavid or Crosby, but usually every year the 2nd overall at least gets some consideration. At this point in their development I think it’s good to see players trending upwards rather than leveling off. I’m any case Byfield will be a safe pick.
- 13sundin13

You do know that when Lafreniere played his 1st WJs he had a very limited role just like byfield and that didn’t hurt his stock one bit. Laf is almost 1 FULL year older than byfield. So comparing this past years WJ performance is premature. Watch him dominate the next WJs.

Just saying

Kings should take Byfield. Big strong elite centers are more valuable than scoring wingers. You can never having too many young centers in your system. Having Gabe Vilardi, Alex Turcotte and Byfield at C in the future would be a great start at success.

By drafting Laferniere/Stutzle, the Kings have the ability to insert a player into big minutes IMMEDIATLEY.

But we are still in the middle of a rebuild.

So who the player is now, shouldn't carry as much weight when compared to who the player WILL BE.

If the Kings value their development system, they can feel confident about Byfield maturing at his own pace, and developing into a Malkin-type player.

The system is busting with prospects, but that is all they are right now. PROSPECTS.

Let them develop. Let them grow. And then put them in a position to play meaningful minutes and learn.

Byfield isn't the best player in the draft, but he is the only guy that has the potential to be better than Laferniere.